A Lancashire bakery has been fined after a 32-year-old baker was injured at its premises in Barnoldswick.

Preston Magistrates’ Court heard how the baker became trapped in a food-mixing machine, breaking both bones in his left arm, resulting in an operation to remove his ring finger.

The incident at Liddell’s Bakery occurred when a metal pin, attaching a dough hook, caught the baker’s wedding ring, pulling his arm into the machine.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that Alan Liddell, trading as Liddell’s Bakery, had failed to guard the food mixer properly meaning it was possible for employees to reach dangerous parts of the machine when it was in operation.

Alan Liddell, partner in Liddell’s Bakery, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1)(a) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The bakery has been fined £6,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,071.70.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Leona Cameron said: “The dangers of unguarded machinery are well-known. Duty holders should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take enforcement action when the required standards are not met and workers are put at risk.”